Israel Escalates Deadly Strike on Lebanon to Demolish 20 Villages

Israel’s latest aggression in southern Lebanon has combined elements of territorial clearance tactics with deadly strikes, even as diplomatic channels remain active.

Channel 12 reported that Israel launched operation “Silver Plow,” targeting more than 20 villages near the border for home demolitions.

The operation mirrors tactics used during the Gaza offensive, aiming to “clear” frontline zones and prevent civilian return until “security is restored.”

The Israeli military issued evacuation orders south of the Zahrani River, reinforcing the operation with heavy engineering equipment. The policy aligns with longer-term buffer zone objectives, with some areas under Israeli occupation for decades and others since October 2023 to November 2024.

Despite a diplomatic meeting in Washington hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Israeli strikes continued. Lebanon’s National News Agency reported at least 13 fatalities on Wednesday, including a family killed in Jbaa and additional casualties in Ansariyeh and Qadmus.

Airstrikes also hit vehicles in Saadiyat and Jiyeh, about 20 km south of Beirut, while shelling targeted Bint Jbeil and areas along the Litani River. The offensive follows a war that began on March 2 and has killed at least 2,124 people and injured nearly 7,000.

Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah criticized the Lebanese government’s engagement with Israel, stating: “the option of negotiations with the enemy is wrong.” He accused Beirut of “squandering Lebanon’s political and military strength” and “leaving it vulnerable to occupation.”

Calls to abandon the negotiation was also reiterated by Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem.

Public anger has grown amid continued strikes, with residents questioning the failure to enforce the November 2024 ceasefire. Al Jazeera’s report noted that communities “had been repeatedly targeted in Israeli strikes in recent weeks.”

Destruction has expanded across southern Lebanon, with entire villages such as Al-Khiam reportedly flattened within one month.

Homes were also demolished in Hanine, while multiple towns including Baraachit and Nabatieh El Faouqa faced renewed attacks.

Digital mapping changes have also drawn attention, with Apple Maps appearing to remove the names of villages across parts of southern Lebanon. The adjustment coincides with the same areas targeted in ongoing Israeli operations.

The demolition campaign and expanding strikes have drawn widespread international condemnation, with dozens of countries and major global actors criticizing Israel’s actions in Lebanon.

A joint statement by 63 countries and the European Union condemned recent attacks and called for accountability, while separate reactions from nations including Spain, Türkiye, Brazil, Russia, China, and Canada have denounced the offensive or urged de-escalation.